President’s Message – April, 2017

By | March 31, 2017

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The Book of Ecclesiastes states that “there is no new thing under the sun.” Bob Dylan states that “the times they are a changin’.” This dichotomy brings to mind some discussion which have occurred within the club regarding the subject of video. Granted, our principle pursuit has been, and remains, the still image. That, itself has evolved, particularly given our new digital tools for capture, processing and display. Fundamentally, photographs lie at the base.

Nowadays, though, our chosen cameras increasingly offer the capability to delve into the world of video recording. Hybridization of systems brings what were once specialized video tools into the hands of still photographers. How many among us have begun to tap into this other stream? How may would like to give it a try? Would like to see the VCC offer more opportunities to learn and develop skills in this area?

As with a number of my previous monthly messages, this one was triggered by events that have arisen naturally within our program. Member’s Night encourages us all to step forward, sometimes at the edge of our comfort zone or even a little beyond. In my own case, I concluded a couple of slide shows in recent years with brief video clips which seemed appropriate to me at the time. Stills of Iguazu Falls were set off with a demonstration of the power of flowing water best shown in video, complete with a sound track lifted from the Internet (I had forgotten to turn on the audio recording function). In a second case, shots of penguins on Magdelena Island were supplemented by a brief clip showing the gleaning of nesting material on a barren, windswept corner of the earth.

Clearly, though, there are fellow members in our midst with much more developed skills in the realm of video. I was particularly impressed by the smooth and skillful way in which Robert Benn blended video with still images as he portrayed the beauty of waterfalls and seashores in a recent Member’s Night show. Earlier Daniel Brimacombe used footage from a cell phone to provide the documentation and the feel of a horse being rescued from a serious fall. Perhaps these are example of new members to the club boldly bringing new options before us in a way that will encourage our own further exploration and development. While I have been principally focused on still imagery over the years, my few tries with video and these strong examples from others of their effectiveness may well entice more activity in that direction in coming months. How about you?

Garry Schaefer, President

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